In keeping with the theme of the week...

I wanted to focus on the things I am thankful for about my job.  It's been a stressful semester, and the oncoming temptation of Winter Break never makes that stress any easier.  So, in order to help me keep my mind focused on the good and not the stress, here's my list:

I am grateful...

1. to have the education I do (Master's +) that enables me to do my job well and teach my students effectively
2. to work in a school district that I genuinely like and can generally support
3. that I have colleagues that make me feel supported and part of a team
1. in going along with this, I am grateful I have colleagues that have become true friends, as that makes my daily life as a teacher so much better
4. that my classroom and school, and district, all have resources available that so many of my fellow teachers around the country do not, like SmartBoards and individual computers for student use 
1. that my school and district place a high priority on continued teacher development so I can continue to grow and learn as a teacher 
5. when students come back to visit me, such when they are home from college for Thanksgiving
6. to have a husband who is supportive of my profession, including all the time I take at home to grade and plan 

There are always more things to be grateful for, but these are some of the biggest.